Pa. girls in US court over 'boobies' bracelet ban

[December 17, 2010]  PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Two girls trying to win the right to wear at school bracelets that say "I (heart) boobies!" are testifying in federal court in Philadelphia.

Schools around the country have banned the popular rubber bracelets, which are sold by the Keep A Breast Foundation of Carlsbad, Calif., to interest young people in breast cancer awareness and prevention.

Middle-school students Brianna Hawk and Kayla Martinez are fighting suspensions from the Easton Area School District, north of Philadelphia.

School officials say the "I (heart) boobies!" slogan is a double entendre that can convey a sexual message.

The 13-year-old Hawk testified Thursday she bought the bracelets with her mother. She says she had her mother's permission to challenge the ban by refusing to remove the bracelet at school.

The American Civil Liberties Union is representing the girls on free-speech grounds.

[Associated Press; By MARYCLAIRE DALE]

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